The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) hosts its annual gala in less than a week, with this year’s event being held virtually on June 21.

Celebrating fashion’s future, the 2021 American Image Awards honorees exemplify leadership and achievement in design, manufacturing and retail within the apparel and footwear industry.

There will be six honoree categories this year, including the introduction of a new honor which recognizes leaders within the industry’s increasing priority towards a more sustainable future.

The 2021 American Image Awards honorees include: Gabriela Hearst (Designer of the Year), Sandrine Charles and Lindsay Peoples Wagner of the Black in Fashion Council (Fashion Maverick), the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (Eco Steward of the Year), Walmart (Retail Innovator of the Year), HanesBrands, Inc. (Company of the Year) and ShopShops (Digital Entrepreneur of the Year).

This spring, we will celebrate the brilliant thread of unity that our industry has rallied around for the past year. We are energized around new realities, confronting new challenges, and advancing new opportunities,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA. “On June 21, we celebrate this industry’s future, honoring the talents and contributions of our incredible honorees as well as their ability to empower and inspire so many more.”

The CFDA Foundation is the sole beneficiary of the event for the fifth consecutive year under a partnership between the two industry leaders.

“This past year has been testing for the fashion industry, and designers and retail businesses have had to navigate new challenges,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “We are very pleased to see how this time has aimed focus on important  issues in fashion such as diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and overall excellence, as our talent pivots to look to the future.”

Learn more about the honorees and purchase tickets here.